Some employees at McDonalds are wealthier than you think!

Okay, Alice, who just graduated from high school isn’t the wealth employee that I’m talking about.  Nor is Nancy, who drives to work with her husband (both are in their 60s and both are avid smokers).  I know they both smoke because right before they get the doors at McDonalds, they both toss there cigarettes on to the sidewalk (yes, I hate that).  Nancy who delivers the food at the Drive-Thru window, does her job quietly.  No friendly recognition from her!

No, my point of reference for this post is Clark Kent (not his real name), the extra friendly employee at the McDonalds Drive-Thru. 

Before I tell of Clark Kent’s background, let me explain his current accomplishments that I know of (and just from McDonalds)! 

• First, Clark Kent looks different.  He displays 4 of the gold excellence in service awards that he has earned (he has more, but he said 4 is enough to wear).  These gold stars pins are something special where after so many people call in to McDonalds complimenting the employee’s work, that McDonalds gives these gold pins out (at least at the McDonalds in my area)…  Kind of like an job excellence award?
• Clark Kent travels often, He talks of his trips to Florida often.
• Clark was flown (all expenses paid dining and hotel) to speak with my company’s CEO.  During one of our mandatory company exercises, enough people used him as a reference as an superb example of customer service on the questionaire, that our CEO flew him out to Cali just to have lunch or dinner with him.  I believe Clark Kent and his wife got a mini-vacation out of this.
• Clark Kent is a great communicator!  He talks clearly but quickly, and is always smiling and asking how you are today.  He repeats what you ordered before you get to the Drive-in window to eliminate errors.  For certain customers, he make it a point to learn there names (including me of course…).  I’m sure he know hundreds of name of customers.

Okay, so Clark is an expert at his job and receives benefits and perks by doing such a great job that most people anywhere would have to be impressed. 

So what is his background:

• Clark is a retired manager from a very large manufacturing company.  His area of expertise was engineering.
• Clark is at least 60+, but moves like someone 20 years younger.
• He has a large house and some of the nicer tools and toys in life.
• He loves his job!  He is the supreme example of “Lemons to Lemonade” that is one of my categories.
• He works for the social benefits and for extra money to travel on vacations.

So what have I noticed that makes Clark special?

• Clark is and expert at communication!  I’m sure this translated well in his pre-retirement position as a manager.
• He does special extra activities the perform his job better!  Repeating what you ordered back is a great feedback tool that will reduce ordering errors.
• He is very positive and friendly.
• He doesn’t really need this job to survive!  This takes the edge off!
• He is very aware of the performance requirement of the job.  He once told me how quickly the McDonalds queue is suppose to move.  I’m sure he is like this with any job.

I think it is amazing that my company CEO flew Clark Kent out just to meet him!  It just shows you, when you try hard and remain upbeat, positive things can happen as a consequence!

Do you know of any stories of rewards for doing a great job, like what happened to Clark? 

-MR